The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, is facing widespread criticism from various quarters, including the judiciary, environmentalists, opposition parties, academics, and even the film industry, following its controversial decision to auction 400 acres of disputed land at Kanche Gachibowli in Rangareddy district, near the University of Hyderabad.
The government’s decision has drawn intense scrutiny, with multiple legal and environmental challenges emerging in response. On Thursday, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of reports indicating extensive deforestation on the disputed land, which has caused significant harm to local wildlife and water bodies due to the deployment of heavy machinery. In an urgent move, the apex court directed Telangana's Chief Secretary, Santhi Kumari, to halt all activities in the area until an environmental impact assessment is completed and the necessary approvals are obtained. Justices Bhushan R. Gavai and A.G. Masih issued a stern warning, stating that if the state's directions were not fully complied with, the Chief Secretary could be held personally liable.
Parallel to the Supreme Court proceedings, the Telangana High Court continued hearing arguments related to the issue on Thursday, with two public interest litigations (PILs) filed by the Vata Foundation, a non-governmental organization, and the University of Hyderabad Students' Union. In response to these petitions, the High Court extended a stay on all activities in the disputed land and scheduled the next hearing for April 7.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. On Wednesday, Assistant Inspector General of Forests, S. Sundar, sent a letter to the Telangana government requesting a detailed report on the alleged illegal felling of trees on the land. Sundar further urged the state to take legal action under the Indian Forest Act, the Wildlife Protection Act, and other relevant legislation.
This legal and environmental battle has sparked heated debates across Telangana, with critics accusing the state government of prioritizing commercial interests over environmental sustainability and the welfare of local communities. The outcome of this ongoing dispute remains uncertain as the courts continue to weigh in on the matter.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)